Abu Dhabi Airports to roll out...

Tech will reduce time it takes to serve travellers from 25 seconds to 7 seconds

Abu Dhabi Airports has partnered with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to introduce biometric Smart Travel at Zayed International Airport.

In collaboration with Next 50, an AI-based transportation solutions expert, the project will be rolled out in three phases to integrate biometric authentication systems across all security and operations touchpoints at the airport.

The project utilises the databases of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to automatically authenticate travellers using biometric technology, eliminating the need for prior registration for departing passengers.

While upholding aviation security and safety protocols within the terminal, the technology will improve the traveller experience and streamline the process for passengers.

As part of the launch of the new terminal at Zayed International Airport in November 2023, Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airways initially implemented the biometric systems across airport touchpoints. This included automated traveller registration service, self-service baggage delivery, and facial recognition verification at e-gates and boarding gates, without the need for travel documents or interaction with airport staff.

Abu Dhabi Airports has begun implementing a further phase of this project by introducing biometric systems for five additional airlines at check-in, all boarding gates and the installation of new e-gates in designated transit areas to register travellers' biometric data and facilitate facial recognition. The future expansion also includes the Etihad Airways lounge and duty-free retail outlets.

According to airport authorities, the biometric Smart Travel technology reduces the time to serve travellers from 25 seconds to just seven seconds.

Chief Information Officer at Zayed International Airport Andrew Murphy said: "We are delighted to collaborate with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security to implement this groundbreaking project at our state-of-the-art terminal at Zayed International Airport. By 2025, we aim to expand these systems across all security and operations touchpoints and other airlines.”

For more information, visit www.zayedinternationalairport.ae

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